Need a Good Read?

A must read, especially for women. It's taken me a while to get through it. We started it as a small group...and I'm not sure why, but we never seem to finish anything. Now we've been discussing it in our mom's group and watching some videos that go along with it. So good! It digs deep into our hearts as women. I'm nearing the end and read this poem today...loved it!

I AM

Oh gently lay your head

Upon My chest

And I will comfort you like a Mother while you rest.

The tide can change so fast

But I will stay

The same through Past, the same in Future,

Same Today.

Oh weary, tired and worn

Let out your sighs

And drop that heavy load you hold

Cuz Mine is light.

I know you through and through

There's no need to hide.

I want to show you love that is deep and high and wide.

For I am constant.

I am near.

I am peace that shatters all your secret fears.

I am holy.

I am wise.

I'm the only One, who knows your heart's desires.

Oh gently lay your head upon My chest

And I will comfort you like a Mother

While you rest.

-John Phillips

So, what do you think? Does this speak to you like it did to me? I felt so calm and content after reading through it a couple of times. Like it was written just for me, exactly what I needed. Now I should put it somewhere that I'll see if often. I need constant reminders like that...I easily forget how loved I am. I'd love to know your thoughts on this...and on other things that encourage you...

Party Time!

We had a fun family party on Sunday! Everyone was able to make it, and it was fun to be together and celebrate Aldyn! She got so many fun gifts, and enjoyed being the center of attention. All of her cousins helped open gifts and were just generally excited for her...so cute to watch them interact. Thanks everyone for the special day...we love you all!

2 cakes...she won the ice cream cake on NTV's First Birthdays

not too sure what to think about this sweet stuff...

getting a better taste

It was a perfect opportunity to snap a couple quick family pictures...it's not too often that we're all together in the same place

Hadley Fam

Sheffield Fam

Such a Gift

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above."

James 1:17

Dear Aldyn,

I can hardly believe it's been a whole year since we first met you. You are the most precious gift we have ever received. Do you know how much you are loved? Your daddy and I always wanted a family, and when we found out it might be difficult for us to have one, we wanted it that much more. Oh how we prayed for you! We knew God had a perfect plan, but it wasn't an easy one. We cried lots of tears, pleaded with God, and even dared to doubt Him at times...we thought we knew better than He did. But He knew that you would arrive at just the perfect time and He knew that He could teach us many things through you. Since you've been here it's been easier for us to look back and say...His plan was good and right. Through you he has taught us more about our own parents' love for us...we didn't quite get the depth of that before. And He's taught us about His love for us...wow, we love you so much, but He loves you more...and us...and every single person He created...I just can't quite get my head around that! But it's cool to think about. Before you were born He knew he would give you to us...and He knows the details about every single day of your life. I sooo want you to know and to love Him...and someday to learn to love like Him...with no conditions. This world we live in is going to give you trouble and heartache...I don't think I'm ready for that...but if we trust in the only One who won't let us down...we'll be able to see the joy that He has in store for us. We love you precious girl - Happy 1st Birthday!!




Here are some pictures of your first few days of life:

And here you are at one year:

Get This Girl Some Boots!

Aldyn surprised us last night by taking her first steps. We were playing on the floor and she took off...I think she had a book that she was trying to share. Needless to say, we got all the cameras out and bribed the poor little thing with whatever we could think of. We got a couple of short videos, so I thought I'd share.

Disclaimer: what you are about to watch features very proud, yet dorky parents...please focus on the child and her cute little baby steps!

My Little Helper?

Aldyn Grace was a busy girl this afternoon...

All that hard work wears a little girl out!